Chapter 38: A Familiar Host

Our small group dispersed quietly, full of our own thoughts. Talon walked with me to the front stairs, and outside. He took my hand and led me down the stairs into the yard. There, we gazed at the star - filled sky and contemplated the immediate future.

"I am not leaving your side," I said adamantly.

"It is not going to be safe for you," Talon replied, looking away.

Reaching over I took his other hand and stood close.

"For years I dreamed dreams that made no sense. Now, being here, I see I was meant to come here. I can help. Let me stay with you and finally do something good." Talon looked away again. "I have a power I never knew I had. I'll be better at it by the time we need to face Valentin."

"Everyone I loved ended up dead," Talon stated flatly. "I can not let that happen to you."

He looked me in the eyes. "Although I do not like it, I know you must face the darkness as well."